Fun stay-at-home ideas for your Memorial Day weekend

Your Memorial Day weekend may be more low-key, but it can be just as memorable

05/01/2020

Tina Wisnoski

Although we all must be safe this year and follow self-isolation guidelines, we should also remember what Memorial Day is all about — honoring our fallen soldiers. Typically, we have barbecues, parades and concerts, but this year we need to plan ways to celebrate closer to home. Take a look at the following ideas to make this year's Memorial Day weekend as eventful as the rest.

Photo (c) Nastco - Getty

Write letters to soldiers

There are plenty of active-duty soldiers that could use a positive letter from a person back home. Support Our Troops (SOT) is a fantastic organization that handles any supportive mail you would like to forward. The website also lets you know exactly how to write to a soldier and an address to send your cards or letters. Gather your family around, follow the SOT guidelines and get writing!

Photo (c) mariusz_prusaczyk - Getty

Take a virtual memorial tour

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the nation’s most beautiful war memorials, Google Arts & Culture has the perfect solution. Arts & Culture has a great 360° tour of America’s most popular veteran and war memorials with accompanying information. From the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., to the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, learn more about these hallowed memorials in the safety of your own home.

Photo (c) jimfeng - Getty

Decorate the house

Even if we’re all staying in place, you can still break out the decorations and liven up your home. Unfurl the flag, hang some streamers and play some classic tunes. And remember, because your event is a little smaller this year is no excuse to forget the barbecue!

Have a Memorial Day movie marathon

Make a list of your favorite military-themed movies, turn on your favorite streaming service and relax. There are several great flicks — from classics to modern epics — that you can enjoy from the comfort of your living room. Having a Memorial Day movie marathon is an exciting way to celebrate the holiday.

Photo (c) Siri Stafford - Getty

Watch the Memorial Day parade retrospective

Unfortunately, like all the others, the 2020 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC, has been canceled. However, there will be a pre-recorded broadcast in its place called “The National Memorial Day Parade: America Stands Tall” that will be free to view on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox stations nationwide. This broadcast may fill in for the lack of parades this year.

Photo (c) SeventyFour - Getty

Memorial Day is a special holiday that you can still enjoy at home. Bear in mind the important things — remembering our soldiers and what they've done for us.